What is the False Claims Act?
The False Claims Act is a statute that creates liability for the presentment of false claims to the Government for payment. The qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act allow an individual, known as a whistleblower or relator, to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of the Government against corporations and individuals who have violated the False Claims Act and receive a portion of any recovery as an award.
The Federal Government has a Federal False Claims Act to prosecute fraud against the Federal Government. Many States, Cities, and even a County have their own False Claims Act statute.
Why do we have the False Claims Act?
The False Claims Act was originally enacted in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln to combat defense contract fraud. During the Civil War, the Union contracted with private companies to supply equipment to the soldiers to fight the Confederacy. However, these private companies saw this as an opportunity to get rich, not an opportunity to help win the war. Instead of receiving horses and guns, gun powder, and ammunition, Union soldiers were sent out to the battlefield with donkeys and rifles that could not fire. In response, the original False Claims Act was enacted to reward whistleblowers who came forward with evidence of fraud and the Union went on to win the war.
Today, fraud against the Government is costing the taxpayers billions of dollars each year. While Government Contract Fraud, including Defense Contract Fraud and Small Business Fraud, still exist, the most egregious fraud is in the form of Healthcare Fraud, including Medicare Fraud, Medicaid Fraud, Pharmaceutical Fraud, Stark Law Violations, and Anti-Kickback Statute Violations. Other prominent types of False Claims Act violations include Mortgage Fraud and Education Fraud.
Where can I learn more?
For more information on these specific types of False Claims Act violations, please review our in-depth pages to learn about common violations under the False Claims Act:
What can I do to stop False Claims Act Violations?
If you have knowledge and proof that a company or individual is submitting false claims, then give us a call today for a free consultation and case review with an experienced whistleblower attorney.
This information is for educational purposes. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice or legal opinions. You should not act or rely upon this information without seeking the advice of an attorney.
WHISTLEBLOWER NEWS
- 2017 False Claims Act Year in Review: Government Recovers $3.7 Billion
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- 2016 False Claims Act Year in Review: Whistleblowers Collect $519 Million
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- Where was the Wells Fargo Whistleblower? Part II.
- Fiscal Year 2016 Record Year for SEC Whistleblowers - $57 Million Awarded to Whistleblowers!
- SEC Investigating Wells Fargo Fraudulent Practices
- Whistleblower First! SEC Rewards Whistleblower $3.75 Million For Reporting Violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
- Did Your Employer Actually Qualify For That Government Set-Aside It Received? Did Your Competition Win A Contract It Didn’t Deserve?
- Hiding Wealth Offshore To Avoid Paying Taxes Is Illegal And IRS Will Reward Those Who Blow The Whistle On Anyone That Tries
- Aware of Banks and Mortgage Lenders Defrauding the Government Through FHA or VA Insured Loans? Don’t “Short” The Market, Contact Us!
- U.S. Education Department Creates New Unit to Investigate Student Aid Fraud
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- Qui Tam Attorney Discusses the DOE’s Final Gainful Employment Rules
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- Pharmaceutical Company to Pay $40.1 M to Settle Whistleblower Lawsuit
- Qui Tam Lawsuit Involving Healthcare Fraud Intervened by US Government
- Medicare Fraud Responsible for $23 Million Paid to the Dead in 2011?
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